Mears told Wadell he doesn't by any means hope for a tropical storm or hurricane to impact New. Copyright 2022 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. His aunt and uncle, Diane and Buddy Nolan, had ridden out the fierce Category 4 storm at home in the hardy fishing village of Jean Lafitte. The water was out. Jordan Roque pulled his Chevy pickup truck onto the last stretch of highway outside of town that was not inundated by water on Monday, hauling an airboat. Though Lafitte's home is gone, this property across the street from the Port of Galveston contains the ruins of a later structure and a trove of ghost tales. That's my real deal. Never again, Ms. Joseph said. I just feel so bad for these people. I don't know about that if the government wanted to dig, they would. I have a file 2 in thick on Hendricks lake treasure. On Monday, he was thankful she had. Homes in the town of Laplace, to the west of New Orleans, were also flooded. In the French Quarter, the streets seemed to have been washed almost clean. There are many stories about what happened to Lafitte and where he died. SC: I understand that this area was under a mandatory evacuation. After stalling for time, Lafitte finally complied in 1821. Trapped residents waited for daylight, when rescue boats could make their way through the floodwaters. Aerial image of Barataria, La. before Hurricane Ida. The demons from his days in Vietnam were haunting him. What do you do? But he expected fewer actually stayed once they saw Idas strength. Aerial image of LaPlace, La. Thank you. Shane Mears and Susanna French looking for treasure along the Mississippi River with a metal detector. "Hurricane Ian, that was my first time actually detecting with my dad on the beach," Kaylee said. The authorities had rescued more than 70 people in Jean Lafitte and the surrounding communities, said Cynthia Lee Sheng, the Jefferson Parish president, after eight feet of water overtopped levees, sending several hundred people into attics and onto roofs. Thats the way I do, help somebody who really needs help and those children are it. This is a no reserve auction with an opening bid of only $0.99. This is going to be a nightmare. The local police chief said at least 400 people had chosen not to leave ahead of the storm - and dozens needed rescuing from attics and rooftops. Mears has a personal collection at home and said he shares the rest of the treasures he digs up with local libraries. "I just let fate guide me and you can't just think about it. LaPlace, a town of quiet subdivisions on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River where many evacuees from New Orleans settled after Katrina, saw many of those homes mangled and streets flooded by Ida. That includes the town of Jean Lafitte, as well as Crown Point, lower Lafitte and Barataria, all of south Jefferson Parish, where sustained winds reached up to 70 mph and floodwater was. "We've suffered flooding before,. As of Tuesday, rescues were still being made with Louisiana's National Guard reporting that personnel have rescued 359 citizens and 55 pets either by high-water vehicles, by boats or by air during the aftermath from Hurricane Ida. There those coins stayed until 2005, when hurricane Katrina knocked down the oak tree, revealing the treasure entombed in its roots. Thanks for talking to me about the situation in Jean Lafitte, which is closer to the coast than New Orleans. MR: I'm hoping tomorrow morning, but to be honest with you, I don't know. Digging in the toilets," Mears said. Treasure hunter Christian Roper is searching for Jean Lafitte's buried treasure that could be worth over 50 million dollars today - he meets with Rick and Ma. He's had plenty of success over the years finding some of the millions of dollars worth of Spanish treasures. Atlanta, Georgia 30328 | 877.481.5750. The man who told this did not or would not tell me the names of the two men. But because of the hurricane, he cant get work crews to finish the job. Residents told of hours of harsh winds and rising water as the storm blew through. hide caption, Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. I saved the newspaper to my hard drive and will try to break it down. But I think some of them, which is the ones that my heart goes out, that my heart goes out to all of them, God bless them. Its something Dateline has shared with you before, a wonderful little secret called unclaimed property. It could be an old paycheck, a stock note, or inheritance thats owed to you. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. Every little thing that I owned and had, its gone, Mr. Adams said. Sergeant Jason Leorwald said the police department is working to try to make a path to get to those residents and resources to them Sunday night and are opening search and rescue cases as well. Read about our approach to external linking. Then I did a litlle research and found this. They've got people that's trapped back there and there's no way to get home. Jean Lafitte, a one-time resident of Louisiana and privateer, is believed by some to have buried a large cache of treasure somewhere in the bayous of Louisiana. So we do have a lot of resources when this was over to go to whatever is left after. The two-bedroom trailer was wrecked, with only the air-conditioner intact among piles of mangled furniture, kitchen supplies and personal belongings. When the storm came in, he was in the process of building his dream home. SC: I can imagine that this must be also very emotional for you as a first responder. There were reports that its roof had blown off. Jimmy says post traumatic stress disorder forced him to quit his job and move back home to Georgia. And I don't know what's going to happen. after Hurricane Ida hit the town. Like so many startled unclaimed property owners, Gordons windfall comes from his dad who kept a secret account. I'm thinking tomorrow morning, I don't know if I'm going to be there at four o'clock in the morning, at three o'clock in the morning, I just don't know. Reeves: It is my honor and privilege to present to you 14,480 shares of Lowes stock.Lea Thompson, Dateline correspondent: Whats it worth Mr. Treasurer?Reeves: Its worth approximately $950,000 at close of business yesterday. In Jean Lafitte, a village of about 2,000 people, about 400 residents initially refused the mandatory evacuation order, according to the sheriff. And so it went for two straight days; $250,000 for one couple who lost everything (including their floorboards); and $100,000 for a woman struggling to rebuild her and her mothers homes. No one had cellphone service. before Hurricane Ida. He had no idea there was $30,000 just sitting in state coffers. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. What is the latest news? The Louisiana town of Jean Lafitte has been "totally devastated" by Hurricane Ida, with rescuers unable to reach hundreds of stranded residents after a vehicle wiped out a bridge, Mayor Tim Kerner . Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. Jean Lafitte Police Chief Marcel Rodriguez believes there are at least 400 people left in the area who, for financial or physical reasons, were not able to heed the mandatory evacuation issued ahead of the storm. after Hurricane Ida. John Bel Edwards said no major levees failed during Ida, thanks to a $14 billion hurricane risk-reduction system that was built in the greater New Orleans area following Katrina in 2005. At least one person, an older woman, died in her home, Ms. Lee Sheng said. However, since it pointed toward someone else's land, he never did or said anything about it. Woodblock print of the death of Jean Lafitte from The Pirates Own Book, published in 1837. After gathering strength over the Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana and Mississippi on August 29, 2005, eventually carving a path up the East Coast. Its hard to believe there could be much good news after this, but weve found a silver lining actually, for some people, a whole lot of gold. Treasure hunters seize an opportunity to get an. The town is about 20 miles south of New Orleans. I mean, right now, if they have 10 foot of water, they're basically there in the Gulf of Mexico in a hurricane. ", Aerial image of LaPlace, La. If residents that evacuated don't need to return, local officials are asking they stay away for the the time being. TREASURE COAST, Fla. Right after and believe it or not even during hurricanes, there is a group of brave souls who take to the shoreline. Co-worker told me a story about Jean Lafitte having buried treasure near where we live. I can't see what's going on no more. A few New Orleanians had begun venturing out to walk their dogs, ride bikes and assess the state of things early on Monday. What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? According to one account, published in 1885, The Historical Guide to New Orleans, Jean Lafitte died of sickness on the island of Mugeres, off the Yucatan, in 1826. Your credit card or PayPal account will be charged. In coastal areas, particularly in Jefferson Parish, which includes the small towns of Jean Lafitte, Barataria, and lower Lafitte, floodwaters have taken over entire roads, bridges, and neighborhoods. So let's just keep it going," Mears said. Many homes and businesses have also been devastated and boats capsized. Treasure hunters seize an opportunity to get an even better chance of finding coins, jewels and artifacts from Spanish shipwrecks from the 1700s. "This still happens on the Treasure Coast. Thats a lot of money for a man who was a laborer just a few years before. Storm-hit New Orleans under curfew amid blackout, In pictures: Hurricane Ida lashes Gulf Coast, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. "The minute that you start thinking about Lafitte's treasure or buried this and buried that, I think you go crazy and people already say I'm crazy," he said. I try to prepare for the worst and pray for the best. Across the path of Idas destruction, the weathered and storm-weary people of the northern Gulf Coast waded out of flooded communities on Monday and surveyed the damage left by one of the most fearsome hurricanes to strike the region since Katrina 16 years ago. And meet Gordon White: he may not be your typical Katrina victim. Kerner told Weather.com that the local levee was overpowered by Ida's floodwaters. And the odd thing is, these sudden fortunes may never have come to light had it not been for the catastrophe called Katrina. ", Aerial view of Barataria, La. When the river levels drop, Mears and his exploration buddy, Susanna French, load up and head out with shovels, a probe and a metal detector. The California couple, who have not been identified, spotted the edge of an old can on a path they had hiked many times before several months ago. And dont say It could never happen to me. Some states have billions of dollars to give away. If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please, Relevant Much of New Orleans has been plunged into darkness, with only emergency lighting seen in many areas. Claiborne, and Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812 Jean Lafitte was born in France in 1780. It took just a few clicks to find this one man's $400,. I'm in contact with Joe Valiante and Tim and them up in EOC. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. But the ones that don't have money to go and don't have transportation to go in and are stuck back there, that's sad. The man who was killed left an estate of 60,000 in cash plus land in Mississippi. It was just rough, Mr. Sanford, 64, recounted, sitting back on a dry patch at the end of the street on Monday. after Hurricane Ida hit. Hurricanes, cold fronts are great," Martinez said. Workers pump rainwater off of street after Tropical Storm Nicholas brought heavy rains after Hurricane Ida in Jean Lafitte, La., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021. At the last I heard, it was still a Cat 4. In LaPlace, in St. John the Baptist Parish, along the east of the Mississippi River, homes and businesses were torn from their foundations and left without roofs. You must log in or register to reply here. BRITAINS 17474 Pirate Jean Lafitte New Orleans 1815, Britains 17474 Pirate Jean Lafitte Battle Of New Orleans Americana Serie, 1956 Saga Men's Magazine Feb. Issue Jean Lafitte Pirate, 1972 Crescent City Tri Multi Bronze Mardi Gras Doubloon Jean Lafitte Pir, 1950s - 60s Fifth Bombardment Group 4 Jean Lafitte Pirate Patch, Barzso War Of 1812 (Battle Of New Orleans) Jean Lafitte And American Reg, 1814 Pirate Jean Lafitte Barataria Front Pg Louisiana, *Barzso*+*Conte*Cannon~Pewter*Battle O New Orleans Playset Cap Jean Lafi, 1950's - 60's Fifth Bombardment Group 4" Jean Lafitte Pirate Patch, 1960 Spanish Main By Swank Pirate Jean LaFitte Toby-Style Mug, The Coins Of The Greek And Scythic Kings Of Bactria And India In The Bri, Catalogue Of Chinese Coins From The VIIth Cent. Kaylee said. One of the men was found living in east Texas where he had bought a farm. In fact, its receding.. But from what I just got off the phone when I was interrupted earlier, the water's still piling in. Hurricane Katrina remains one of the worst hurricanes in U.S. history. But after about 14 years working at Lowes, he was battling serious depression. ", "It's definitely 'go time.' "The treasure," he added. But I don't think this is going to be a good situation when it's all over. My son is crying. "There's nobody that writes how to do this," Martinez said. SC: Well, thanks for chatting with us and giving us that update. (AccuWeather / Bill Wadell). hide caption. (Photo by Sophia Germer, . LaPlace, La., saw many homes mangled and streets flooded by Ida. This is one 1806 real from the hoard featuring King Charles IV with a Certificate of Authenticity. SC: Thank you so much, Sheriff Rodriguez, I can only imagine what's going through your mind right now, and please stay in touch and keep us updated. This is horrible. While at my favorite used book store some months ago I stumbled across a copy of a book that I read as a kid. Tree limbs and debris clogged the streets from the Bywater neighborhood to Uptown. Trees and power lines were also brought down. And thats when the unclaimed property office found the most remarkable story of all From disabled vet to millionaireBack in the 1970s, Jimmy was a regional supervisor for what was then a small Southern hardware chain named Lowes. It also has references to other lost treasure spots in Texas. You know, most of them that's going to be the worst off are the ones that are not going to have insurance. I'm going by what I'm being told. That means everything that's going on is still going on back there. In 1825 somebody had a large stash of coins buried under an oak tree just outside of the city of New Orleans. Over the years, Hendrick's Lake near Tatum has been a place where many people have visited in search of a legendary treasure that was supposedly left at the site by Pirate Jean LaFitte. Items Shane Mears has found along the Mississippi River with a metal detector. So, they hope to keep finding items that Hurricane Nicole brought to the surface. Today, hes a millionaire. So I don't know where it's going to stop. How many people do you think stayed behind and and and why do you think they stayed behind? Keep in mind, most states dont have the staff come out and find you. "We've suffered flooding before, we've suffered storms before," Kerner was quoted saying. I'm speechless.". At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. I can't do nothing. Some of those who stayed behind still had no plans to leave. Now the story gets complicated. hide caption. Here is a transcription of their conversation: Shalina Chatlani: Hi, Sheriff Rodriguez. It's been, been really, really good, knock on wood. 1987 .999 Silver American Eagle 1 Troy Ounce Bullion Coin W/ Airtite, SH129e JAPAN ORIGINAL EDO Hansatsu By YANAGIMOTO Han Silver 1 Monme 1830, Egypt,1965, 10 X 1 Pound Tutakhamon, Prefix 61 --> 70, P37, See Scan, 2011 (W) Silver Eagle PCGS MS70 West Point Mint, 1899 Barber Half. The Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Louisiana was left in shambles. Cody Lauricella, a 30-year-old native of bayou country, sailed the 19-foot fishing trawler he usually uses to catch trout and flounder back and forth to Jean Lafitte throughout the day to help people get out. Just pick a state you or any member of your family has ever worked in or played in, type in the name, and within seconds you can find out if this is your lucky dayand it is all absolutely free. When no one claims these valuables, theyre eventually turned over to a state, where they may languish for years. before Hurricane Ida hit. State treasurer Tate Reeves, who runs Mississippis unclaimed property division, joined Dateline to deliver the news to Gordon. In Houma, a small city about 60 miles southwest of New Orleans, Craig Adams, 53, had planned to spend Saturday night in his beige trailer, but his daughter begged him at 9 p.m., as the storms arrival was imminent, to seek shelter somewhere sturdier. I'm a descendant of his first mate and so while as a general rule I love history/archeology/treasure hunting, naturally this is the treasure that interests me the most. This one right here was the worst one Ive been in. The wind was howling, he said, and seemed to never stop. But the deputies gave the helicopter crew a thumbs up on Monday, Sheriff Lopinto said in an interview with WWL radio. Because Katrina took a turn and it hit toward Mississippi more than it hit over here. Energy companies say they are working to restore power, but residents are being warned it could take weeks in some areas. Aerial image of Jean Lafitte, La. His adventures take him to dirty places that could be hiding prized possessions and pure gems. This is the first time in my lifetime that I've left back there where I'm not actually looking at it. Shane Mears searching for historic relics in a privy, an old-fashioned term for an outhouse or what is now known as a restroom. SC: It's pretty eerie, and I've heard this from a lot of residents here, that this is happening on the 16th anniversary of Katrina SC: Is this worse, given what you're hearing? It may not display this or other websites correctly. You are using an out of date browser. Satellite image 2021 Maxar Technologies In Jean Lafitte, a village of about 2,000 people, about 400 residents initially refused the mandatory evacuation order, according to the sheriff. Poking at the can was the first step in uncovering a buried treasure of rare coins estimated to be worth $10 million. Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi have been left devastated by Hurricane Ida, which flooded communities, knocked out power lines and littered roads with debris. http://www.texasescapes.com/DEPARTMENTS/Letters/LettersToEditorDecember2001.htm. And looking it up, it's so rare.